The Executive Committee of National Economic Council (Ecnec) on May 17 approved 16 development projects involving Tk 4,932, including Tk 2,638 crore as project aid. The Ecnec, with Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed in the chair, gave nod to four power projects at a cost outlay of Tk 2,205 crore. The approved power projects are rehabilitation and modernisation of Ghorashal Thermal power station unit 1 and 2 (revised), construction of Chandpur 150 MW combined cycle power station (revised), rehabilitation of Karnaphuli Hydropower unit 3 (revised) and construction of Siddhirganj 2×120 MW peaking power plant (revised).

Following the meeting, Finance Adviser Mirza Azizul Islam said they focused on the government’s previous decision about priority sectors and thus power projects were given more money. He said of the total amount approved, agricultural projects account for Tk 561 crore, rural infrastructure development Tk 424 crore, water resources development Tk 978 crore and other infrastructure projects Tk 765 crore. Of the total 16 projects, nine are new and the other seven revised ones.